We Have a New Name!

Dear Friends,

I wanted to take a minute to share some encouraging news about an exciting new phase of growth for our organization.

Two short years ago on February 5th, 2013, we first launched what we promised would be South Carolina’s most effective “action engine” for conservative public policy. With your help, we rolled up our sleeves and got right to work. And I’m proud to report that your investment is already paying real dividends through the relationships we’ve fostered and the research we’ve published and promoted.

We are energized by early policy victories such as halting Medicaid expansion and Common Core in South Carolina and enacting proven K-3 literacy strategies. As we move forward, we are confident that we can build on these wins and help make South Carolina a model among the states in embracing free-market policy reforms.

But as we approached our two-year anniversary, we knew we couldn’t just cool our heels: there is still far too much work to be done. We took a careful a strategic look at where we’ve been since our launch, and where we need to go to truly effect a better future for our state.

One key conclusion? It was time to grow our brand beyond simply WHAT we do – policy – and focus on WHY we do it. To attract and inspire people all around South Carolina, who are looking for proven solutions to our shared problems and the bold, optimistic leadership needed to inspire people from all walks of life to work together to implement them.

That is why after much careful deliberation, I am excited to let you know that next week, we will announce a new name for our organization: Palmetto Promise Institute!

The word “promise” captures the sense of aspiration and optimism that we stand for as an organization, and evokes two powerful ideas:

The unlimited promise of South Carolina and her people to achieve great things when we work together to promote good policy.
The Forum’s promise as an organization to deliver well-researched, best-practice policy ideas that will create opportunity for every South Carolinian.

And so the idea of Palmetto Promise Institute was born. “Promise,” because we believe deeply in the limitless promise of South Carolina as we fulfill our promise to promote a policy vision that inspires people to work together for our shared future. And that’s a promise we intend to keep.

Although the name – and an exciting website that is currently being designed – will be new, we’ll retain the same effective operating strategy you’ve come to expect from us:

Best Practices: rigorous research methodology and thorough analysis to document and explain what’s working in public policy and why, in South Carolina and beyond.
Policy Entrepreneurship: addressing recurring problems with innovative solutions, grounded in our conservative principles and communicated with compassion.
Finding Common Ground: building trust and establishing relationships with South Carolinians of every background.

And please stay tuned for much more information about our ambitious 2015 agenda…

…to provide every parents with information about how to access high-quality educational options for their children regardless of income or zip code – and grow them where they don’t exist.

…to develop a comprehensive tax reform plan to create jobs and economic opportunity.

…to advocate for state-based policies that lower health care costs and increase access to health care in all our communities.

…to highlight the amazing potential of responsible offshore energy development in our state, cutting through the misinformation and scare-tactics of out-of-state environmental extremists.

There’s no question that we have our work cut out for us. But we’re confident that with your support–and that of a growing team of South Carolinians who share our vision–it can be accomplished. The task is ours, the time is now, and we don’t have a minute to lose.

Thank you again for the progress you have made possible. I hope we can count on your continued partnership to help fulfill South Carolina’s full promise!

Together for Freedom,

Ellen

——
Ellen E. Weaver
President & CEO
Palmetto Promise Institute