Local entrepreneurs who are creating new business ventures with support from the Conway Innovation Center (CIC) will be on hand to discuss their enterprises at the center's Meet Our Innovators open house event on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 1119 Third Ave. in Conway. The event is open to the public and will offer light refreshments.

The CIC, which opened in January, is a business incubation center that focuses on the development of emerging technology, life science, information technology and service businesses.

Five CIC entrepreneurs will be participating in Meet Our Innovators, representing a range of new businesses involving cutting-edge beacon technology, exotic classic tires, laser technology in quilt manufacturing, temperature regulation technology and computer apps for educators.

A public/private economic development effort, the CIC is funded by the regional business community, the area's major educational institutions and private foundations. The CIC is a partner of the Clemson Technology Villages Program which has centers throughout the state of South Carolina using its proven business development methodology.

The effort is administered through the Fifth T Innovation Group, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Fifth T group was formed by Coastal Carolina University, Horry Georgetown Technical College and the Conway community. "Fifth T" refers to the enterprises that have driven the Grand Strand region's economy through its history: timber, turpentine, tobacco, tourism and, most recently, technology.