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SCbio Supports SC Commerce Focus on Life Sciences as Key Business Sector for State Growth

SCbio is proud to see the life sciences industry as a long-term focus area for the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Strategic Framework for Economic Growth.

SOUTH CAROLINA – January 30, 2024 – SCbio fully supports the South Carolina Department of Commerce in recognizing the life sciences industry as a key business sector for economic growth in the Palmetto State.

During the Governor’s Economic Development Summit Monday, S.C. Commerce released its strategic framework for economic growth, the guide for the state’s economic development efforts to increase its competitiveness for new business and capital investments.

Through data-driven research, S.C. Commerce identified the life sciences as one of three long-term areas of focus to enhance economic prosperity.

“The work of S.C. Commerce makes it clear that when investments are made in South Carolina’s life sciences industry, they will pay off for our residents and economy,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “The life sciences industry makes South Carolina competitive – it is creating high-wage jobs, developing breakthrough treatments and technologies, and attracting top talent with its acclaimed academic and research institutions.”

SCbio President and CEO James Chappell (left) and SC Governor Henry McMaster.

“South Carolina is advancing the future as the new home of American innovation,” said Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III. “Driven to create long-term opportunities for the people who call our state home, S.C. Commerce is actively diversifying its industry portfolio by targeting sectors such as life sciences. Our message to life sciences companies is that South Carolina is the place to be from Launch to Legacy!”

SCbio is South Carolina’s investor-driven economic development organization exclusively focused on building, advancing, and growing the life sciences industry in the state. SCbio represents more than 1,000 organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals across the state and supports and advances organizations in multiple arenas including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, digital health, research and medical labs, bioscience distribution, bio-ag and more. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, visit www.SCbio.org.

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.