Board Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2025
Board Meeting Minutes
Invocation/Pledge – Rodney Berry
Welcome – Rodney Berry
Approval of Minutes
No minutes available from the last meeting
Financial Report
No expenses reported
Money still coming in
Florence Regional Airport Update
Presented by Brad Beadles, Executive Director
Inland Port offers strong cargo growth opportunity
Plans to extend runway for larger planes
1,400 acres of available land
Exploring connection to spur via rail
Seeking financial and community support to move forward
Opportunities to support local plants and corporations
Aviation Day scheduled for April 28th, noon–7 PM
Private Board Chair Report – Mike Tyler
Mike – Architect is working on design and renovation
Downtown development progressing, new property purchases underway
Public Board Chair Report – Glenn Greene
Positive feedback from meeting at NETC, supports objectives of airport as acting board member
County Administrator Update
Matthew Elvington now serving as executive for Commerce
Working on county budget
New 911 center is progressing; bids expected in a couple of month
Collaboration ongoing with City on wastewater improvement
Economic Development Director – Rodney Berry
Planning for Industrial Appreciation event; possibly at Dillon Motor Speedway
Goal: Increase participation from more industries
Considering rotating event locations by industry
Appreciation expressed by Russell Frye and others at Ambassador Appreciation event
Recent event at Abingdon Manor recognized Maceo Nance, others with Tri County park
Three active projects in progress
Tri-County Park enabling Port to locate in Dillon
Each park member contributing $30K to support PORTA initiative (aiding in federal match funding)
Community & Education Updates
Jaime: New surgeon at McLeod, Ambulance Service now branded as LifeReach
Andy: Strong turnout at NETC hosting in Bennettsville, Chesterfield Campus expanding; new construction, Dillon campus: Still seeking funding, Career fair success; strong student turnout, New projects to support student transitions into jobs, STEM zone scheduled for May; positive administrative support
Tally: Trash pickup initiative went well, Commerce has downtown development funding, (~$10M) Grants secured for equipment replacement and revitalization (33 projects on list), New Council Members: Danielle Smith & Chip Huggins
Allyssa: New attorney with economic development experience
Glenn: Attended NETC meeting, positive feedback
Mike: Airport progress update; planning Main Street festival, Tiger Mart: Upgrading at 301 and Highway 9
Mamie: Thankful for NETC; ODL expanding—need more student space
Bryan: Hosted Congressman at recent event, Federal funding discussion: Need creative ways to use funds effectively without spending 20% on administration
Rodney: Encouragement – “Work your dash. Do while you still can.”
Attendance: Debbie Jones, Brian Mason, Andy Ingram, Jaime Hayes, Bryan Braddock, Mamie Legette, Mike Tyler, Glenn Greene, Jim Hayes, Tally McColl, Cullen Bryant, Rodney Berry, Brad Beadles, Steve Johnson
