Overview of Southern Growth

Southern Growth Policies Board is a non-partisan public policy think tank based in Research Triangle Park, N.C dedicated to strengthening the South’s economy and creating the highest possible quality of life. Formed by the region’s governors in 1971, Southern Growth conducts research and provides a forum for policy deliberation and collaboration among elected officials, citizens and leaders from business, academia, and economic and community development. Southern Growth works in the areas of technology and innovation, globalization, workforce development, community development, civic engagement and leadership.

Thirteen Southern states — Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia — participate in and support the work of Southern Growth. Each has five members on the board of trustees: the governor, two citizens appointed by the governor, a state senator and a state representative. Each year, one of the region’s governors is elected to serve as Board Chairman and lead Southern Growth.

The work of Southern Growth is carried out through four standing advisory councils, each comprised of two gubernatorial appointees from every member state. The four advisory councils are:

• Southern Technology Council
• Council on the Southern Community
• Council for a New Economy Workforce
• Southern Global Strategies Council

Southern Growth also involves hundreds of major corporations, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in its work through an Associate Member program.