Dillon, SC — The City of Dillon has been selected by the South Carolina Department of Commerce to participate in its Rural Development & Strategic Planning Initiative, a statewide program designed to help rural communities address local challenges, strengthen economic growth, and improve quality of life through targeted, community-driven planning.
The initiative focuses on Tier III and Tier IV rural county seats, recognizing their role as economic and civic hubs capable of driving sustainable growth throughout their counties. Dillon was selected due to Dillon County’s Tier IV designation and the City’s role as the county seat, an approach the Department of Commerce has identified as a catalyst for long-term countywide economic resilience.
The local planning process is being spearheaded by Rodney Berry, President of Berry Strategies, an economic development consulting firm contracted by Dillon County. Dillon County played a key role in engaging the South Carolina Department of Commerce and advancing this opportunity, reinforcing a strong partnership between county and city leadership.
“It’s very refreshing to witness and be a part of a county and city that works in unison” said Berry. “It’s perhaps the strongest relationship in the entire congressional district. I’m particularly pleased that citizens are finally realizing progress is happening now, in real time. The nuts and bolts are turning as we speak. Leadership with the county and city have a strong comprehension of strategic steps and the wheels are in motion! The atmosphere is spinning in the direction of optimism and that is powerful.”
Collaborative Project Team
The strategic planning effort is supported by a multidisciplinary team of local, regional, and state partners bringing expertise in economic development, planning, design, housing, tourism, and community revitalization.
South Carolina Department of Commerce – Rural Development Team
-Gilleon Frieson, Rural Development Program Manager – Business Incentives & Community Development
-Sara Schaefer, Rural Development Project Manager – Business Incentives & Community Development
Planning, Design, and Economic Development Partners
-Irene Dumas Tyson and Ryan Bland, The Boudreaux Group
-John Winters and Samantha Mizell, Thomas & Hutton
-Tripp Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates
Subject Matter and Community Specialists
-Bob Brookover, Clemson University – Parks, Recreation and Tourism Faculty
-Melanie Brown, Restoration 52, providing insight and expertise on housing
-Tina Belge, Catalyst Community Consulting, providing insight and expertise on housing
Together, this team will work closely with city and county leadership, community stakeholders, and state partners to evaluate local needs, identify strategic opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations.
Through the initiative, the South Carolina Department of Commerce is providing 100 percent funding for the initial strategic plan, ensuring that rural communities can participate without financial burden. In addition, the program offers implementation funding for a catalyst project identified through the planning process, with awards of up to $250,000 for Tier IV county seats.
A key outcome of the planning effort will be the identification of a catalyst project designed to spark broader economic development, housing opportunities, and quality-of-life improvements. To ensure the plan reflects local priorities, the City of Dillon will engage the community through a Project Advisory Committee, focus group sessions, and a public input meeting during the planning session.
“This initiative recognizes that strengthening Dillon as the county seat strengthens the entire county,” said Mayor Tally McColl. “By working collaboratively with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Dillon County, and our community, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic opportunity.”
The Rural Development & Strategic Planning Initiative reflects the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s commitment to inclusive planning, strategic investment, and sustainable growth in rural South Carolina.
Additional details regarding public engagement opportunities will be announced as the planning process moves forward.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON GOUNTY NEWS, LLC
