CRBJ BizWire
Deputy Secretary Teasdel
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The South Carolina Community Capital Alliance (the “Alliance”) is proud to announce that Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary of Commerce of the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce), and the Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation (RHEDC) are the recipients of the 2023 Community Champion Awards. The award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual or organization by the Alliance and is presented annually to a local leader and organization that has made significant contributions to community economic development.
Since its launch in 2011, the Alliance has been dedicated to increasing capital resources for South Carolina’s underserved and undercapitalized communities and providing job creation opportunities that make a difference in people’s lives. Deputy Secretary Teasdel has been an integral part of this effort since the organization’s inception, working to create and sustain partnerships to bring resources to improve the economic well-being of South Carolina’s citizens. The Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation is being recognized for their years of commitment to advancing economic growth in the Rock Hill area including the Knowledge Park redevelopment strategy, promoting mixed-use redevelopment of the urban core of Rock Hill connecting historic downtown and Winthrop University.
Prior to being promoted to Deputy Secretary of Commerce in 2021, Teasdel served as Director of the S.C. Commerce’s Business Services Division. During her tenure as Director of Business Services, she successfully merged the functions of the division through deliberate efforts to integrate the division’s purpose of what S.C. Commerce has dubbed as “Service After the Sale.” Teasdel was instrumental in the launch of support resources for start-ups and existing companies; accelerated the use of B2B platforms for specific industries; managed an initiative to build minority business engagement that included supplier outreach experiences; and developed ally outreach for effective coordination of small business support for more sourcing needs. Teasdel is an active board member of the SC Economic Developers Association (SCEDA) and the Business Development Corporation (CDC) of SC.
Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation is committed to representing the business, educational, and community interests of the city while promoting jobs and supporting growth in Rock Hill. By fostering increased employment opportunities and partnering on redevelopment projects, RHEDC improves the quality of life for Rock Hill residents. In recent years, RHEDC has played a key role in facilitating the redevelopment of the urban core through the Knowledge Park Action Plan, leading to $400 million of investment in downtown Rock Hill, and is a partner in the Clinton ConNEXTion strategic plan for attracting jobs, businesses, and housing to the historic neighborhoods in South Rock Hill. Through RHEDC’s Talent Pipeline program, educational institutions and local businesses build supportive relationships with students through employment, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities.