Building an International Mobility Center in South Carolina: The German/Israeli/American Innovation

​In an increasingly technological society, the keys to any successful business include coming up with new ideas, implementing them and keeping operations, products and services fresh. “Innovation,” the process of bringing those ideas to reality, plays a large role both for small and big companies in the national and international context. Throughout industry, new forms of information technologies are being implemented and are constantly evolving, so that yesterday’s innovations may already be outdated today.  Ready or not, the “Mobility Revolution” is upon us.

Germany, the United States and Israel have become leading countries, regarding innovation and invention and the commercialization of these ideas. Virtually every German auto manufacturer has established an “innovation center” in Israel.  Israel is often referred to now as “start-up nation.”  More Israeli companies are listed on NASDAQ than all European and Indian companies combined.   Extraordinary ideas are often born in Israel, especially in the area of cyber security and mobile technology.

South Carolina has the opportunity to play a key role in the “mobility revolution.” South Carolina is the North American home for many German automotive manufacturers. By capitalizing on its unique circumstances surrounding the existing South Carolina economy, our state can become a key player in the United States/German/Israeli Innovation Triangle.

Morris Ellison’s practice includes commercial real estate transactions, economic development commercial litigation and counseling startup and mature knowledge based companies.  He represents local, national and international investors, lenders, and real estate developers in the development, financing and disposition of commercial properties and other assets.  He has experience in a variety of complex real estate and business related issues including the development of several mixed-use projects, real property tax appeals, hotel development, complex foreclosures and workouts, entity disputes and structuring.

Mr. Ellison also counsels startup and mature knowledge based companies and has worked extensively with entrepreneurs and companies, particularly knowledge based companies.

Mr. Ellison counsels companies on zoning, ad valorem tax and economic development issues.  He works with companies to create ideal structures before a deal is signed and helps businesses address ongoing ad valorem tax issues.

In addition, Mr. Ellison assists international companies who do (or wish to do) business in South Carolina, as well as South Carolina businesses as they engage in international markets. He has a particular focus on the Israeli market, as he leads Womble Carlyle’s Israel Team.  Mr. Ellison has been part of South Carolina’s trade mission delegation to Israel each year since 2011.