By Betsy Finklea
Friday was a big day in Marlboro County with two big economic development announcements and their Second Annual Economic Development Summit held at the Bennettsville Community Center.
This was a first-class event that involved local officials and community leaders, students, and more. The room was elegantly decorated and was packed to near capacity with people who came to hear about economic development in Marlboro County.
Marlboro County administrator Tony Clyburn called it a time to “commemorate and celebrate industry in Marlboro County.” He said we celebrate ourselves and that despite our differences, we can work together and move forward.
Rev. Doris Smith gave the invocation and thanked God for how they are blessed in Marlboro County.
This was followed by the National Anthem and presentation of the colors by Avante Covington and the Marlboro County High School JROTC.
This was followed by recognition and greetings from Marlboro County Council Chairman Anthony Woods, Mayor of Bennettsville Tryone Abraham, newly elected Mayor of McColl Robert Outlaw, Town of Blenheim Councilwoman Dollie Dixon Warney, and Clio Mayor Adam Pate.
After the greetings, the guests enjoyed a delicious dinner with both grilled chicken and salmon, salad, rice pilaf, green beans, and dessert.
Rep. Jason Luck, the newly elected House District 54 member, spoke on behalf of the delegation and briefly detailed some of their work in Columbia. He said at the current time there is a line item in the House Budget of $25,000,000 for the dam at Lake Paul Wallace. He said it still has a ways to go, but it has passed the house.
Marlboro County Director of Operations Jamal Campbell spoke on behalf of Rep. Jackie Hayes, who was present early in the meeting, but had to leave to attend another function.
Marlboro County Councilman Verd Odom introduced the guest speaker, Congressman Russell Fry.
Congressman Fry said they had a great deal to celebrate and said the theme tonight that he was seeing was unity of the community. He praised the two big announcements from earlier in the day from Sopacko and Bennettsville Printing. Fry said these investments were because of the community and what it stands for. He said they had a decent workforce and favorable business climate. He said that industries are going to come where it makes sense to do business and that’s South Carolina and Marlboro County. He said the challenge now is what to do tomorrow. Fry said that they have to build on that success. “Can you leave your community, your county, your state, and your country better than you found it?,” Fry asked. “Enjoy tonight,” he said, “but tomorrow, the real work begins.”
After Fry’s remarks, Economic Development Director Tonny McNeil, presented several awards. He said they were very appreciative of all of their industries. It’s not just business, it’s family, he said.
The awards went to the following:
The Pioneer Award-Sopacko
Large Industry Award-Marley Engineered Products
Innovative Product Award-Bantem
Small Industry Award-McColl Gin Company
Community Engagement Award-Bennettsville Printing
McNeil said they had a reached a turning point in economic development where they are going from good to great. He said they have planted the seeds in the economic development garden and now is the time to reap the harvest. He said they have been listening to the public say they want more opportunity, and they are working to create more opportunities for all.
McNeil said that Bennettsville Printing announced an $8.4 million investment creating 24 new jobs, and Sopacko had announced a $22.8 million investment retaining 400 jobs.
Clyburn made several announcements about upcoming events including an SCDNR Cleanup at Crooked Creek (Saturday, March 15), the Marlboro County Rodeo (April 11-12), The World’s Greatest Bouncy House Party (May 17th), and Marlboro County Military Appreciation (August 23). One can sign up for text updates by texting Marlboro County to 91896.
Plaques were presented to the students who served the meal.
Chairman Woods concluded the night by saying it had been a great evening and that it would take the citizens working together to help the county prosper and grow.
A GLIMPSE AT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
Contributed Photos and Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
