Columbia College and The Alliance for Women
were honored by the South Carolina General Assembly

Tuesday, March 28, 2006: Columbia, SC
Columbia College and The Alliance for Women were honored Tuesday by the South Carolina General Assembly though a resolution introduced by Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk (D-Kershaw County). The resolution was co-sponsored by members of the Women’s Caucus and other legislative friends of the College. The resolution recognizes Columbia College “for its outstanding public-private partnership, The Alliance for Women...and their longstanding commitment to improving the status of women in South Carolina.”

In presenting the resolution, Representative Funderburk said:
“The Alliance is a shining example of a successful public-private partnership. Spearheaded by Columbia College, the Alliance has partnered with the Governor’s Office to network with other colleges, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish a simple but vital mission:  to improve the status of women in South Carolina.
     The foundation for the current strategic initiatives of the Alliance is a study they recently commissioned on the status of women in South Carolina.  Conducted by the Moore School of Business at USC, the study quantified--with significant numbers--the fact that closing the existing gender gaps in South Carolina’s labor force would reap immense economic benefits for our State.  This is not a surprising finding, but it is a timely finding, because we are all aware that economic development is currently one of our highest priorities.
    In addition to its Research Center, the Alliance also offers a Resource Center for assisting women throughout the State; a Talent Bank for women who wish to be considered for policy level leadership or for entities who are seeking talented women for leadership positions; a Think Tank dedicated to women’s issues and strategies for positive change; and an Executive Leadership Center which offers information about statewide workshops, seminars, speakers, and classes related to improving the status of women.”

Dr. Caroline Whitson, president of Columbia College, and Dr. Linda Salane, director of the Leadership Institute at Columbia College, were also recognized for their leadership in this innovative partnership.

For more information about the Alliance and upcoming events, please visit www.allianceforwomen.net.

**photos: Credit Sam Holland for photos #1 and 3.
Credit Rebecca Munnerlyn for photo #2