Partnership celebrates industry with golf, paddle outing

The Darlington County Economic Development Partnership hosted a day of outdoor activities to celebrate industry and the jobs it provides county residents Tuesday.

The Industry Appreciation Golf and Paddle event included a golf tournament and a canoe trip down Black Creek in Hartsville.

Organizers held the event to highlight the importance of existing industry in Darlington County and the job growth created from industrial expansions.

Manufacturing provides 24 percent of the jobs in Darlington County and 38 percent of the total wages paid in the county, which exceeds $295 million annually.

“There are no more important industries than the ones you already have,” said Robert Long, executive director of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership. “This event is just one of the ways we show our appreciation and support for existing industry.”

The Industry Appreciation Golf and Paddle also marks the beginning of Darlington County Progress Inc.’s campaign for private funds, which funds half of the partnership’s operating budget along with Darlington County.

The campaign will be managed by Peggy McLean, a Certified Economic Developer with more than 14 years of experience including time with the S.C. Department of Commerce and Progress Energy.

“Peggy has a wealth of familiarity with the community and will do an outstanding job expanding the investors in Progress,” said Gray Segars, chairman of Darlington County Progress. “When the partnership creates jobs and investment in Darlington County, our investors benefit both directly and indirectly.”

The Darlington County Economic Development Partnership, a public-private partnership, was established by Darlington County Council and is supported by Darlington, the City of Hartsville and members of Darlington County Progress Inc.

The partnership also works with regional, state and federal agencies in securing available grants and other financial assistance for business and industrial growth.