"Economic Diversification: What You Can Do To Transform Our Local Economy" is the theme of the 15th annual Economic Growth Summit, which will take place on Monday, Aug. 13 at Coastal Carolina University's James J. Johnson Auditorium in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration. The half-day seminar begins at 9 a.m. and continues through noon. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

Henry "Hal" Johnson, president/CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, is the keynote speaker for the event.

Johnson joined the UA team in 2005 after six years with the Orangeburg County Development Commission as its executive director and three years with the South Carolina Certified Economic Developer. Johnson served on the board for the South Carolina Economic Developers Association and as president in 2005. Johnson is currently serving on the Board for the Southern Economic Development Council. In 2010, he was named a "Knowledge Economist" by the South Carolina Research Authority.

This year's topic will focus on ways the community, businesses and local leaders can help transform our local economy for the purpose of attracting different types of industry to Horry County and the Grand Strand area to accommodate the area's growing and diverse population.

Robert Salvino, Coastal Carolina University's research economist, will also provide an economic outlook for the Grand Strand area.

There will also be a panel discussion which will include Jeff McKay, executive director of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance; Mark Williams, president of the Strategic Development Group Inc; and Maceo Nance, director of small business and rural development for the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The summit is sponsored annually by the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration.

To make reservations, email growthsummit@coastal.edu or call Wendi Lee at 843-349-2284.