At what point should we begin in talking about the economy of South Carolina? When Native Americans lived by hunting, fishing, growing and trading? Or, when this land became a colony of Great Britain and subsequently the powerhouse of rice and indigo production built upon the labor of enslaved people? Perhaps, when cotton and tobacco overtook the agricultural story of our state and led to the establishment of textile mills? Or later, when subsistence farmers left their fields to work in the mills?

The twentieth century is the story of rapid change, modernization, electrification and automation. An interstate highway system fostered business growth and personal travel--and divided neighborhoods; civil rights legislation and desegregation of public schools brought communities closer together--and further apart. Manufacturing became a central and stabilizing element of urban South Carolina, but faded significantly over time from rural areas. Today, while populations are growing in urban areas, more possibilities have opened for workers in the gig economy to use rural communities as their base--IF they have access to broadband! For some, the last fifty years tells the story of a boom economy; for others, it's the tale of a widening gap between those with access to tools and systems that enable participation in the twenty-first century economy, and those who do not.

We are grateful to the three grassroots leaders, i.e. Mavens, who share their stories in this issue. As participants in the initiative called The Art of Community: Rural SC, they, along with their local teams, have chosen 'economic development' as a central theme in projects they are leading in rural Allendale, Fort Lawn, and Walterboro. These Mavens and their teams are building new connections, deepening local relationships and developing strategic partnerships. They are creating friendly entry points for citizens to recognize their local assets as points of pride and tools to open doors for new engagement and opportunities. Through them, their communities are emitting a new vibrancy and story; and they are putting out the welcome mat saying 'come see what we've got!'

The Art of Community: Rural SC initiative is rooted in the belief that our rural communities matter and are essential to an environment where all South Carolinians can thrive. Our network is grounded in the work of the larger field of creative community development. As such, this issue points to a resource called Building Community Wealth, a 2020 ArtPlace America field scan; The Eight Capitals, a frame of reference for community wealth; and new broadband developments for rural South Carolina. Through it all, we celebrate our partners, teams, advisors and colleagues across sectors using Creativity + to advance their communities.

Sincerely,