By Betsy Finklea
Economic development was the topic of conversation at the Dillon County Industry Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, June 14th at Twin Lakes Country Club.
This was the first luncheon held in the past few years when COVID and other factors prevented a luncheon from being held.
The luncheon opened with prayer from Bryant Braddock and the pledge of allegiance which was especially significant since it was also Flag Day.
Several dignitaries and others in attendance were recognized including Senator Kent Williams, Rep, Jackie Hayes, Dillon County Council Chairwoman Detrice Dawkins, Dillon County Councilman Buzzy Finklea, Johnnie Luehrs of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce, Andy Ingram of NETC, Don Strickland and Wil Johnson, Dillon District Four Superintendent Ray Rogers, and representatives from the Department of Commerce.
Mike Tyler, chairman of the Public side of the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership, highlighted some of the things that his board has been doing. He said that they recently announced the DCC Metal Recycling (DCC), a metal shredding and recycling company, earlier this year, and he is looking forward to some of the upcoming announcements. He said Economic Development Director Rodney Berry is working hard. He said economic development can seem like a slow process. Tyler said they had been looking into different types of workforce development. He said they want the workers to live here and cash checks here. He said their board has just recently started back meeting and are here to help with existing industries as well as new industries.
Glenn Greene, III, chairman of the Private side of the Public-Private Partnership called DCP#, said they had an active group of 18 board members who meet monthly at the Dillon Inland Port. He talked about the Ambassadors Program, which is being well-attended, that they have underway and how it is educating them about economic development. He said they hope to be an asset to Rodney Berry and the county because they can sometimes do things that a public body cannot do. He said they have a bi-monthly newsletter. He looks forward to their oyster roast in the fall.
After their remarks, guests enjoyed a delicious summer cookout-style luncheon with hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, slaw, chili, chicken salad, banana pudding, chocolate mousse, and more.
Then Bryan Braddock, Director of Economic Development and Public Outreach for the Office of Congressman Russell Fry, S.C. Seventh Congressional District, spoke. He said existing industry makes up 80 percent of the economic development activity in the region. He said existing industry makes reinvestments, sponsors community activities, and more than just a business because they are part of the community.
He said Congressman Russell Fry has made learning about local industries a priority and has toured 19 facilities in his district learning more about each industry. He said Congressman Fry is fighting the hard fight to make the climate conducive to businesses. He has 38 municipalities in his district and is working hard to build relationships.
Braddock said in this area that we have what people want–“Small Town America.” He said he says great things happening for our area.
After Braddock’s remarks, several enjoyed a round of golf on the City of Dillon’s Vivian Johnson Memorial Golf Course.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
Click to enlarge the photo.
